Ticket pricing for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be staged at the Sepang International Circuit in October 2026, will ultimately be determined by Bahrain, according to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif.
Speaking during an SIC press conference on Tuesday, Azhan revealed that Bahrain, as the official rights holder and host of the relocated Formula 1 event, will also receive all revenue generated from ticket sales.
As a result, the authority to determine ticket prices rests with the Bahraini organisers.
Azhan explained that under the current agreement, Bahrain is responsible for the Formula 1 hosting rights fee, while proceeds from ticket sales are expected to be channelled back to the Kingdom.
“Based on our preliminary discussions, all ticket sales revenue will be returned to Bahrain. Therefore, we do not have full authority over ticket pricing,” he said.
He acknowledged the growing public demand for affordable ticket options, with many Malaysian fans calling for special Rahmah or Madani ticket packages.
Despite Bahrain holding the final decision, SIC is continuing negotiations with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in an effort to secure more affordable options for local supporters.
Azhan said he hopes to negotiate special ticket prices, particularly for Malaysian MyKad holders, although any final approval will depend entirely on Bahrain.
“I know many fans are hoping for cheaper tickets or Rahmah/Madani-priced packages. I will do my very best to request special pricing, possibly for MyKad holders, but the final decision remains with Bahrain,” he added.
Negotiations between SIC and Bahrain remain ongoing.
According to Azhan, officials from Bahrain International Circuit are expected to visit Malaysia next week to continue discussions in person, while online meetings are taking place this week.
The visit is expected to provide greater clarity on ticketing arrangements and operational planning for the historic Formula 1 return to Sepang.
SIC remains optimistic that ticket sales will begin during the first week of August, or potentially even earlier if negotiations progress smoothly.
Azhan expressed hope that more information regarding ticket categories, pricing structure and sales procedures would be announced within the coming days.
“I hope we will be able to reveal more details in the next few days and announce the start of ticket sales as soon as possible,” he said.
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang will mark the championship’s first race in Malaysia since 2017, with fans across Southeast Asia eagerly awaiting further ticketing details for one of the region’s biggest sporting events in recent years.
Credit Photo : SIC
